 |
| The maple’s color-changing season takes place from December to the end of January in Trung Khanh, Cao Bang – a Northeast province of Vietnam. Ban Viet lake in this season shines beautifully as this area owns the largest number and most diverse kinds of maple trees. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| The forest is filled with yellow and red colors, stretching immensely when viewed from above. The forest embraces an emerald green lake, altogether creates a primitive, tranquil beauty. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| From Hanoi, tourists can reach this site by moving along the Hanoi – Bac Giang Expressway, turn on Highway 3A to Trung Khanh town and continue north for 13 km. The lake is located near the Ban Gioc tourist area. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| The lakeside road is flat and spacious, convenient for visiting by car. Around the lake lie ancient villages of the Tay people, which are open for visitors. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| Ban Viet lake, about 5 hectares wide, is an ideal place for camping and trekking in Cao Bang. In addition to enjoying the scenery on the winding roads, visitors can try boat sailing to enjoy the fresh air on the calm lake surface. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| The forest is the harmony of green, yellow, and red hues, creating a European-like forest scene. Pham Huu Tuyen, a photographer who loves Trung Khanh maple forest, said he was very impressed with the all-year scene. “Late autumn, early winter is the time when the trees turn from dark green to yellowish and then glowing red, all looks like a European maple forest,” he said. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| “Phong Huong”, or red leaf maple tree grows wildly in the forest of Cao Bang. The trees can grow up to 10m high. Maple leaves are also used in local cuisine. The leaves can be eaten raw or sautee with beef. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| Maples are distinguished by opposite leaf arrangement. The leaves in most species are palmate veined and lobed, with 3 to 9 (rarely to 13) veins each leading to a lobe, one of which is central or apical. A small number of species differ in having palmate compound, pinnate compound, pinnate veined or unlobed leaves. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| In the early morning, the lake is covered in mist, all looks like a fairy tale. If visiting here, make sure you bring enough warm clothes, especially on the cold year end days. (Photo: VN Express) |
